Summer

Lots of plants and animals make Crickley Hill their home

The summer months are perfect for exploring the wildflowers around Crickley Hill. There are lots of different areas from limestone grassland to woodlands, all of which are rich in wild plants and animals.

Limestone Grassland

The herd of Belted Galloway cattle are brought in to graze so the wildflowers on the hill are fantastic. The yellow rattle looks spectacular between May and September. Most of the seed has ripened by late July so you can hear the rattling of the seed inside the bladder. It's said that when you hear the rattle the meadow is ready to be cut for hay.

Other wildflowers found on Crickley Hill include field scabious, harebells, viper's bugloss and pyramidal orchids.

Woodland

Over 600 varieties of fungi can be spotted, putting Crickley Hill in the top six places in the whole country and of huge importance. The chicken-of-the-woods fungus is a real showstopper during summer and autumn.

Other fungi to look out for include scarlett bonnet, fairy inkcap and green elfcup.

Wildlife

The huge variety of wild plants make it the perfect place for butterflies, moths, bees, snails and other protected species including adders, bats and many species of birds.